Careers in healthcare are experiencing strong growth, and diagnostic medical sonography is no exception. Sonography and medical imaging have become a popular career choice partly because of the relatively short educational period (typically a 2-year AAS degree), the potential for a good salary, and the availability of jobs.
How to Become a Medical Sonographer in Idaho
- Apply to an Accredited Ultrasound Program. Entrance to sonography programs is often limited and competitive. Research the prerequisites required to apply, which typically involve some college-level math and science and possibly even volunteer hours at a local ultrasound clinic.
- Get Your Degree. A minimum of a two-year Associate of Science degree is required for entry-level sonography positions. There are certificate programs for those who qualify, as well as four-year Bachelor Degree’s such as the one offered by Boise State University.
- Get Your Certification. It’s almost certain that any future employer will require you to be certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Make sure the program you’re applying to will qualify you to sit for their exam.
Connect with Educational Programs near You
Why Choose a CAAHEP Accredited Diagnostic Sonography Program?
The accreditation of a school or program that you’re considering applying to is very important, and the primary accrediting body for sonography programs is the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). A school becomes accredited by the CAAHEP once it has met their DMS Accreditation Standards and Guidelines by passing a series of program reviews, including a self-study review and a site visit. This ensures that the school can provide a high quality education to their students as they prepare to enter the healthcare workforce.
The successful completion of an accredited Idaho DMS program is the most comprehensive and direct way students can earn eligibility to sit for the ARDMS Sonography Principles & Instrumentation (SPI) exam, as well as a specialty exam. Passing both of their exams will allow you to receive professional certification in diagnostic medical sonography.
If you’re currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a CAAHEP accredited program, you’re also eligible to apply for the UltrasoundSchoolsInfo $1,000 scholarship. Click here to learn more.
Accredited Sonography Schools in Idaho in 2025
In Idaho, there is only one program offering a degree or certificate in medical sonography that has been accredited by the CAAHEP as of November 2024:
| School | Program | Prerequisites | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University 1910 University Drive Boise, ID 83725-1845 |
Bachelor’s degree or accelerated certificate in general sonography. | Licensed and credentialed graduate of accredited, patient-care related degree program (minimum AAS) | Applications due by March 1st |
If you don’t see a sonography program in your area, you may want to consider another allied health program. The CAAHEP has accredited these other health programs at the following locations:
- College of Eastern Idaho: Surgical Technology and Medical Assisting
- College of Southern Idaho: Paramedic, Surgical Technology, and Medical Assisting
- College of Western Idaho: Surgical Technology and Medical Assisting
- Idaho State University: Paramedic
- Lewis-Clark State College: Medical Assisting
- Northern Idaho College: Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology
Get Real Advice From Sonography Students, Professionals, and Professors
Visit our student resource center for articles from some of the top sonographers around the country. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to move up the career ladder, our experts can help.
Idaho Sonography Student Scholarships
You’ve worked hard to get this far, and planning on how to pay for your education can be a daunting task. Visit our Financial Aid portal to understand more about how financial aid, scholarships, and grants work, and how to avoid the pitfalls in student lending. Below are just a few of the scholarships available to those students in Idaho who qualify:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound Schools Info | $1,000 | Aspiring sonographer currently enrolled in/accepted to a CAAHEP accredited DMS program. | Ultrasound Schools Info Attn: Scholarship Committee PO Box 3026 Bellingham, WA 98227 scholarship@ultrasoundschoolsinfo.com |
| Idaho Opportunity Scholarship | $3,500 up to four years | Need-based award give to students with a 2.7 GPA or higher. | Joy Miller joy.miller@osbe.idaho.gov 208-332-1595 |
| Pride Foundation Scholarships | $1,000-$12,000 | Reside in the Pacific Northwest (including Idaho), identify as LGBTQ+, and demonstrate leadership potential within the LGBTQ+ community or within your field of study. | 2014 E. Madison St, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98122. Complete the form. |
| Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship | $3,000 up to four years | Merit-based award given to students with a 2.8 GPA or above who plan to attend an Idaho university and demonstrate community service. | Mikayla Mitzel mikayla@idahogovernorscup.org 208-891-9419 |
How Much do Ultrasound Techs Make in Idaho?
According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for sonographers in Idaho was $89,020 in 2023, or $42.80 an hour. Those at the top of their field can earn as much as $100,000 a year. Conditions in your area may vary.
The salary you earn can depend on a number of factors, including level of education and experience, geographic location, and type of employer (ex. outpatient care centers tend to pay the most). Larger imaging centers and hospitals also tend to offer competitive benefit programs in addition to the base salary. An Associate of Science Degree is required to become a sonographer at an entry level position, however earning a Bachelor’s Degree may open you up to higher paying job positions.
The job availability for ultrasound technicians in Idaho is expected to increase by 24% by 2030 (O*Net). Idaho places among the top 15 in the nation in terms of available sonography jobs.
Certification Requirements in Idaho
The state of Idaho does not currently require sonographers to obtain certification or licensure. However, many employers do require certification, so it’s something to consider if you want to stand out amongst other job candidates.
The most widely recognized credential is provided by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). The only way to earn certification is by meeting one of their prerequisites and passing the exam. Graduating from a program that has been accredited by the CAAHEP will automatically qualify you to sit for the ARDMS exam. There is currently one location where you can take the exam in Idaho:
- 9183 W Black Eagle Dr, Boise, ID 83709
Additional Certification Information
Certification overview
About the ARDMS
Ultrasound Technician Schools in Boise
The healthcare industry in Idaho is currently experiencing very strong job growth after coming out of the latest recession. Boise State University is not only one of the top employers in the area, it’s also regarded as one of the top undergraduate schools in the region. Its 4-year sonography program has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Frequently asked questions
What does an ultrasound technician in Idaho do?
Sonographers do much more than just image internal organs. They also work closely with other members of the healthcare team and patients, and evaluate the images they capture. Learn more on our ultrasound technician career overview page. Get a complete job description, as well as first-hand accounts of what it’s like to be a sonographer.
How do I get started as a medical sonographer in Idaho?
We’ll walk you through all of the steps, starting when you’re still in high school or before you’ve started a formal post-education program, all the way through finding a job and advancing in your career. Get Started Now.
How long do I have to go to school?
Most degree programs are completed within two years, which will allow you to earn an Associate’s Degree, though program lengths may vary depending on specific program requirements. You can also go to school longer and receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree, which will allow you to advance your career and increase your salary.
How do I know if sonography is right for me?
In order to be successful in the field, you’ll need more than just technical knowledge. Click here to find out about the qualities that make a great sonographer.
What other jobs can I get in healthcare?
There are many careers available within the healthcare industry other than diagnostic sonography, and we’ll introduce you to many of them here.
